The Best Places for Crawfish in the New Orleans Area

We absolutely love to eat in New Orleans, and we take our seafood and crawfish seriously. Based on the input of local moms, these are the best crawfish in New Orleans. If you are looking for Lenten Fish Fries in New Orleans, please refer to this list of New Orleans Lenten Fish Fries. If you are looking for a list of where to order Easter catering, we have that covered, too. Our best recommendations for brunch in New Orleans are here, and the best kid-friendly restaurants in New Orleans appear here. Bon appetit!

The Best Places for Crawfish in the New Orleans Area

Mardi Gras is upon us. Soon enough, we will be in the thick of crawfish season! With so many great options in the New Orleans area, there is bound to be a crawfish style for everyone. As a Metairie resident, I tend to stick to my favorites in my area, but I asked my friends in other neighborhoods for their top recommendations. I’m sure this list is far from complete, but the options below are a great start!

Kenner

Big EZ Seafood: My absolute favorite! Honestly, they deserve their own post. I’m all about the Viet-Cajun flavoring. Choose from 3 seasoning blends: traditional Cajun, citrus, or the Big EZ blend, which is a combination of traditional and citrus. You can also customize your boil by spice level. Since I like a little heat, I ordered spicy on my first visit, but, they are pretty heavy-handed over there. Since then, I’ve stuck to the Big EZ Blend in mild. They also offer plenty of other seafood options aside from crawfish that are all delish.

The Big EZ blend

Smitty’s Seafood: This is my family’s go-to. I like a good bit of spice but don’t like them so spicy that my lips burn. Smitty’s has figured out the right mix. The dining area is on the smaller side, so we prefer to place our order ahead of time over the phone. They make the pick-up so easy, and the crawfish are always hot and ready.

Metairie

Dennis’ Seafood: In business over 45 years, Dennis’ is solid and reliable. I tend to head over there when I need live crawfish. They also do catering for boils as well as barbecues. Fun fact: The owner has the sweetest pet nutria that is more like a dog really. You might even run into Neuty on your visit.

Captain Sid’s: A Bucktown favorite to take and enjoy at home, but be prepared for a long line, especially during Lenten Fridays.

Deanie’s Seafood Market: You can dine in or carry out, but I also love that there is an option for delivery. Just make sure to call a day in advance if you need delivery.

The Galley: Their claim to fame is their softshell crab, but they have good crawfish. Their prices are typically higher than other places, but it’s worth it if you want to enjoy the best side of mac and cheese.

Schaefer’s Seafood: I’ve not personally had their crawfish, but if their crawfish are half as good as their tamales, I’m down to give them a shot!

Teche Valley Boil Bus: Having made their debut in 2023, the Boil Bus is proud to be “Metairie’s first and only to-geaux boiled crawfish.” They re-purposed a school bus and built the perfect set up for boiling on-the-go. The Boil Bus will be back this year with plans to open on Valentine’s Day (which also happens to be Ash Wednesday). Location TBD, but follow Boilbus on Insta for the most up-to-date information.

Harahan

Seither’s Seafood: Probably best known for crawfish, but you’re missing out if you don’t get half a dozen raw oysters to go along with it!

New Orleans

Bevi Seafood Co.: We used to go to the Airline location in Metairie all the time (it has since closed). I haven’t been to the Mid-City location, but I’m sure it’s wonderful.

Clesi’s: Whenever I drive past this place, their outdoor seating looks packed, if that’s any indication. They have great reviews, and we’re planning on trying out their crawfish this weekend. I’ve been advised to order some boiled shrimp also. In this perfect weather, I’m looking forward to outdoor dining. Bonus: They take reservations!

Bayou Beer Garden: I just love the atmosphere here! I’ve never had their crawfish, but I’ve sampled many other menu items that did not disappoint. This would be a great place for crawfish and a few drinks with friends.

West Bank

Sal’s: This family-owned Marerro business has great reviews of boiled crawfish as well as boiled crabs and fried fish plates.

Perino’s Boiling Pot: Come here for a laid-back environment with big tables and family-style accommodations for large parties.

Salvo’s: Best bang for your buck, as they frequently have all-you-can-eat specials. For instance, as I’m writing this post, the special is $40 all-you-can-eat crawfish and shrimp with 6 boiled sides. What’s not to love?

Northshore

Full disclosure: I never get to the Northshore, but the following places come highly recommended from my Northshore friends.

Mandeville Seafood

Northlake Seafood

Bateaus

Drive Thru Crawfish: Exactly what it sounds like. Get your crawfish without leaving your vehicle. Just be sure to check the hours before you go since they are a seasonal pop-up.

Seafood 2 Geaux

Lama’s Seafood Market and Eatery

Slidell

Pearl’s Seafood Market and Restaurant

Kenney Seafood

Peck’s

Slidell Seafood: I haven’t been here, but the reviews are great and frequently mention the reasonable prices.

St. Bernard

Today’s Ketch Seafood and Restaurant: Our family has a camp in Hopedale, and we frequent Today’s Ketch on our way down. We love the crawfish, but they also have great options for fish plates and po-boys.

Casanova’s Seafood: I’ve never had their boiled crawfish, but we pick up live ones sometimes to boil at the camp. The employees are always very friendly and helpful.

Crawfish racing is a rite of passage for a NOLA kid!

Want to boil your own?

Check out the Cajun Ninja (if you’re not following him on social, you need to be). I always found the idea of boiling my own crawfish daunting, but the Cajun Ninja breaks it all down. I was fortunate to snag one of his always sold-out cookbooks, which includes this recipe, but if you don’t have the book, you can find it here (full recipe in the comments section below the video).

There’s an app for that!

The Crawfish App is free and updated daily. You can search by area or vendor to find the best deal on boiled or live crawfish. We love it!

If you are looking for Lenten Fish Fries in New Orleans, please refer to this list of New Orleans Lenten Fish Fries.

I have not yet made it to all of these places, but I can’t wait to try them! Where is your go-to for the perfect boiled crawfish? I’m sure I missed some places, so let me know what I need to add to the list!

Alyson Haggerty
Alyson lives in Metairie with her husband, Patrick, their two boys, and their Morkie, Beignet. After teaching for almost ten years, she left a career in education, earned her BSN, and now works as a pediatric emergency nurse. In her free time, Alyson enjoys flipping furniture, writing, dancing, and painting. She is always looking for a racquetball partner and loves streetcar rides and playing board games with her family. A good cook, she is constantly on a quest to answer the age-old question, “What’s for dinner?” but has thus far been unsuccessful.

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